Sanjay Raut Claims PM Modi Visited RSS Office to ‘Announce Retirement,’ Predicts Maharashtra Leader as Next PM

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut made a bold assertion on Monday, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur to “announce his retirement.”

Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Raut stated, “PM Modi went to the RSS office to announce his retirement. As per my knowledge, he has never visited the RSS headquarters in 10-11 years. RSS wants a change in leadership. PM Modi is now leaving.”

He further alleged that the RSS would determine Modi’s successor, adding, “RSS will decide the successor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and he will be from Maharashtra. That’s why Modi was called to Nagpur for a closed-door meeting.”

Congress Leader Weighs In

Congress leader Husain Dalwai echoed Raut’s sentiments, stating, “I think what he said is right. They retire people who cross 75 years. PM Modi is also ageing, so maybe they are thinking about retirement now.

He must have gone there to make them happy… RSS is a terrorist organisation and formed organisations like VHP and Bajrang Dal.”

PM Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters marked a rare occasion, as he became only the second sitting Prime Minister to do so after Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000.

During his visit, he also laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, an extension of the Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre, named after late RSS chief Madhavrao Golwalkar.

PM Modi Praises RSS

During his visit, PM Modi described the RSS as the “vatvruksh,” or banyan tree, of India’s immortal culture and modernisation.

“The Sangh is the ‘banyan tree’ of India’s immortal culture and modernisation,” Modi said, adding, “This large vatvruksh is not an ordinary one. The RSS is synonymous with service.”

BJP Dismisses Retirement Claims

Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis dismissed Raut’s claim outright. “There is no need to search for Modi’s successor. He (Modi) is our leader and will continue. In our culture, when the father is alive, it is inappropriate to talk about succession. That is Mughal culture. The time has not come to discuss it,” Fadnavis said.

Senior RSS leader Suresh ‘Bhaiyyaji’ Joshi, who was also in Nagpur, stated that he was not aware of any discussions regarding PM Modi’s replacement.

The ‘Retirement at 75’ Debate

Speculation regarding Modi’s retirement has circulated for years due to an unofficial BJP rule that leaders above 75 do not hold ministerial berths.

In the past, BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, have denied such a rule exists. Before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Shah stated, “No one above 75 has been given tickets. This is the party’s decision.”

However, in May 2024, Shah clarified, “I want to clarify that there is no such provision in BJP’s constitution and Modi ji will lead the country till 2029 and also lead the coming elections.”

Rajnath Singh further reinforced this, saying, “It was never decided. You can write in bold letters that no such decision was taken. Had it been decided, it would have been mentioned in the party constitution.”

No Age Limit for Prime Minister in Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution does not impose an age limit on the Prime Minister. It only stipulates a minimum age requirement of 25 years for Lok Sabha members and 30 years for Rajya Sabha members. There is no maximum retirement age specified.

PM Modi’s Historic Visit to RSS Headquarters

PM Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur was deemed “very important and historic” by Sangh members.

He began his visit by paying tribute to Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Smruti Mandir, the RSS administrative headquarters. Modi was accompanied by top leaders, including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Devendra Fadnavis, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

Addressing the gathering, Modi reiterated his support for the RSS, highlighting its contributions across various fields. Following the meeting, he held a roadshow in Nagpur, where large crowds gathered to greet him.

He also visited the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited facility, inaugurating the Loitering Munition Test Range.

The political landscape in India continues to be rife with speculation as PM Modi nears the age of 75.

While opposition leaders believe the visit to the RSS headquarters signals his impending retirement, BJP leaders dismiss the claim, reaffirming Modi’s leadership until at least 2029.

As discussions around his succession intensify, only time will reveal the next course of action for India’s political future.